Dr. Eric Downer
Associate Professor, Physiology
Associate Professor, Trinity Inst. of Neurosciences (TCIN)
Biography
Dr. Eric Downer is an Associate Professor, Fellow & Associate Director of Research (School of Medicine) at Trinity College Dublin. He graduated from TCD with a first class honours degree in Physiology (2001) and a PhD in Neuroscience (2005). He began his postdoctoral research career in the Physiology department at TCD (2005-2008) and was subsequently awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from IRCSET that enabled him to develop his own research programme based at the Inst. Immunology, NUI Maynooth (2008-2010). In 2011 he returned as a senior research fellow at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, also acting as co-ordinator of the PRTLI structured PhD programme at TCD during this period (2012). He was appointed to his first academic position in University College Cork (UCC) in January 2013, where he was a lecturer and PI in the Dept. Anatomy and Neuroscience (Jan 2013-May 2015) and also the Director of the Biosciences Imaging Centre (June 2014-May 2015). In June 2015 he was appointed as Assistant Professor at TCD, where he also acted as Director of the Human Health and Disease BSc programme. He acted as the Director of the Human Health & Disease BSc programme from 2015-2024. In 2019 he was promoted to Associate Prof. He leads an active research group and his research has been funded by the Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Research Council, the Health Research Board, the Physiological Society, the British Neuropathological Society and Industry grants. To date he has published 57 peer-reviewed articles (18 first author, 30 last author) and 80+ conference proceedings. Dr. Downer has been honoured with the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Early Career Award in 2009, the Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award in 2013, a Deans Award for Teaching and Learning (TCD; 2016, 2023), an Inspiring Educator Award (TCD; 2019) and is a recipient of the Trinity Excellence in Teaching Award (2021). He was elected to Fellowship at TCD (FTCD) in 2023.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Otalora-Alcaraz, A., Cui Sun, M., Hofma, N., Costelloe, L., Kearney, H., Prenderville, J.A., Downer, E.J., Elevated expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in post-mortem brain white matter and immune cells in multiple sclerosis., Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders., 12;47(4):338, 2026
Oró-Nolla, M., Cui Sun, M., Reilly, T., Anandarajah, J., Otalora-Alcaraz, A., Costelloe, L., Kearney, H., Magee, R., Nolan, Y.M., Downer, E.J., Downregulation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) in post-mortem brain white matter in progressive multiple sclerosis., Neurological Sciences., 108:107040, 2026
Savio, M., Kearney, H., Downer, E.J., Neurologist's perspectives on cannabis-based medicines: results from a national survey., Irish Journal of Medical Science., (194(2)), 2025, p687-697
Cui Sun, M., Hackett, B., Otalora-Alcaraz, A., Downer, E.J., A 1:1 combination of cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibit toll-like receptor 7- and 8-mediated inflammation in human immune cells., European Journal of Pharmacology., (1003:177878), 2025
Molloy, J., Keogh, K., McLoughlin, M., Devitt, L., Lee, D., Downer, E., Grimes, D., Barry, D., Fuelling Neuroblastoma: Genomic Analysis of Ketolytic and Glycolytic Gene Expression in Relation to MYCN Oncogene Amplification, Stage, and Prognosis., Cancer Reports, 2025, p8(12):e70429
Almudena Otálora-Alcaraz, Thomas Reilly, Martí Oró-Nolla, Melody Cui Sun, Lisa Costelloe, Hugh Kearney, Pabitra H. Patra, Eric J. Downer, The NLRP3 inflammasome: a central player in multiple sclerosis, Biochemical Pharmacology, (232:116667), 2024
Fitzpatrick, J.M. O Riordan, D., Downer, E.J., Cannflavin A inhibits TLR4-induce chemokine and cytokine expression in human macrophages., Natural Product Research, (39(17):5086-5092), 2024
Cui Sun, M., Otalora-Alcaraz, L., Prenderville, J., Downer, E.J., Toll-like receptor signalling as a cannabinoid target., Biochemical Pharmacology, (222:116082), 2024
O'Connor, C., Jordan, K., Vagg, T., Murphy, C.E., Barry, D.B., Toulouse, A., Flecther, J., Downer, E.J., Animated teaching improves student learning of human gastrulation and neurulation., Annals of Anatomy, in press, 2023
Cui Sun, M., Otalora-Alcaraz, A, Bateman, R., Downer, E.J., Investigating Cannabinoid Modulation of Endosomal Toll-like Receptor Signalling., 2023
Downer, E.J., Role of Cannabinoids in Inflammaton, Molecules, (27(2), 478), 2022
John-Mark Fitzpatrick, Becky Hackett, Lisa Costelloe, William Hind and Eric J. Downer , Botanically-Derived Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, and Their 1:1 Combination, Modulate Toll-like Receptor 3 and 4 Signalling in Immune Cells from People with Multiple Sclerosis, Molecules, 27(6), 1763, 2022
Damstra-Oddy, J., Warren, E.C., Perry, C.J., Desfougeres, Y., Fitzpatrick, J.M., Schaf, J., Costelloe, L., Hind, W., Downer, E.J., Saiardi, A. and Williams, R.S.B., Phytocannabinoid-dependent mTORC1 regulation is dependent upon IPMK activity., Brit. J. Pharmacology., ((ahead of print)), 2021
Pereira, S.R., Hackett, B., O'Driscoll, D., Cui Sun, M., and Downer, E.J., Cannabidiol modulation of oxidative stress and signalling. , Neuronal Signaling. , 5(3), 2021
Fitzpatrick, J.M., Minogue, E., Curham, L., Gavigan, P., Hind, W. and Downer, E.J. , MyD88-dependent and -independent signalling via TLR3 and TLR4 are differentially modulated by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in human macrophages. , J. Neuroimmunol. 15;343:577217, 2020
Downer, E.J. , Anti-inflammatory Potential of Terpenes Present in Cannabis sativa L. , ACS Chem Neurosci. , (4;11(5):659-662.), 2020
Pereira, S.R., Velasquez, J, Duggan, S, Ivanisevic, B, McKenna, J.P., McCreary, C and Downer, E.J. , Recent advances in the understanding of the aetiology and therapeutic strategies in burning mouth syndrome: focus on the actions of cannabinoids. , Eur J Neurosci. , 15;343:577217. , 2020
Lone, M., McKenna, J.P., Cryan, J, Vagg, T., Downer, E.J., Toulouse, A. , Development and Assessment of a Three-Dimensional Tooth Morphology Quiz for Dental Students. , Anat. Sci. Education. , 12(3): 284-299., 2019
Barry, A., Cronin, O, Ryan, A.M., Sweeney, B., O'Toole, O., Allen, A.P., Clarke, G., O'Halloran, K.D., and Downer, E.J. , Cycle ergometer training enhances plasma interleukin-10 in multiple sclerosis. , Neurol Sci. , 40(9): 1933-1936., 2019
Barry, A., O'Halloran, K., McKenna, McCreary, C., Brendan Harhen, Daniel M. Kerr, David P. Finn, Downer, E.J. , Plasma N-acylethanolamine and endocannabinoid levels in burning mouth syndrome: potential role in disease pathogenesis. , J Oral Pathol Med. , 47(4):440-442., 2018
Lone, M., McKenna, J.P., Cryan, J.F., Vagg, T., Toulouse, A., Downer, E.J. , Evaluation of an animation tool developed to supplement dental student study of the cranial nerves., Eur J Dent Education., 2(3):e427-e437, 2018
Barry, A., Cronin, O, Ryan, A.M., Sweeney, B., O'Toole, O., Allen, A.P., Clarke, G., O'Halloran, K.D., and Downer, E.J. , Impact of short-term cycle ergometer training on quality of life, cognition and depressive symptomatology in multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study, Neurological Sciences, 39(3):461-469., 2018
Lone, M., McKenna, J.P., Cryan, J.F., Vagg, T., Downer, E.J., Toulouse, A., A Survey of Tooth Morphology Teaching Methods Employed in the United Kingdom and Ireland., Eur J Dent Education., 2(3):e427-e437., 2018
Barry, A., O'Halloran, K., McKenna, McCreary, C., Downer, E.J. , Plasma IL-8 signature correlates with pain and depressive symptomatology in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome: results from a pilot study. , J Oral Pathol Med. , 47(2):158-165., 2018
Downer, E.J., Galpha(q) takes centre stage in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis., Cellular and Molecular Immunology , 14(5):, 2017, p401 - 402
Lone, M., McKenna, J.P., Cryan, J.F., Downer, E.J., Toulouse, A., Assessment of Thiel-embalmed cadavers as a teaching tool for oral anatomy and local anaesthesia., J Dent Education, 81(4):, 2017, p420 - 426
Fitzpatrick, J-M., Downer, E.J., Toll-like Receptor Signalling as a Cannabinoid Target in Multiple Sclerosis. , Neuropharmacology. , 113(Pt B), 2017, p618 - 626
Fallarino F, Gargaro M, Mondanell G, Downer EJ, Hossain MJ, Gran B, Delineating the Role of Toll-Like Receptors in the Neuro-inflammation Model EAE., Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 1390, 2016, p383-411
Barry, A., Cronin, O, Ryan, A.M., Sweeney, B., Yap, S., O'Toole, O., Allen, A.P., Clarke, G., O'Halloran, K.D., and Downer, E.J., Impact of Exercise on Innate Immunity in Multiple Sclerosis Progression and Symptomatology., Frontiers in Physiology. , 7, 2016, p194-
Crowley T, Cryan JF, Downer EJ, O'Leary OF, Inhibiting Neuroinflammation: The Role and Therapeutic Potential of Gaba in Neuro-Immune Interactions., Brain, behavior, and immunity, 2016
Crowley T, Fitzpatrick JM, Kuijper T, Cryan JF, O'Toole O, O'Leary OF, Downer EJ, Modulation of TLR3/TLR4 inflammatory signaling by the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen in glia and immune cells: relevance to therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis., Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 9, 2015, p284
Prenderville JA, Kelly ÁM, Downer EJ, The role of cannabinoids in adult neurogenesis., British Journal of Pharmacology, 2015
Fallarino, F., Gargaro, M., Mondanell, G., Downer, E.J., Hossain, M.J. and Gran, B, Delineating the Role of Toll-Like Receptors in the Neuro-inflammation Model EAE., Methods Molecular Biology, (in press), 2015
Collins, L.M., Downer, E.J., Toulouse, A. and Nolan, Y.M., Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase (MKP)-1 in Nervous System Development and Disease., Molecular Neurobiology. 51(3):1158-67., 2015
Downer EJ, High hopes for CB(2) receptors in neurogenesis., British journal of pharmacology, 171, (6), 2014, p1345-6
Downer, E.J. and Finn, D.P. , Cannabinoids: Clearing the smoke on pain, inflammation and neurodegeneration., British Journal of Pharmacology. , 171(6):, 2014, p1341-
McDonough P, McKenna JP, McCreary C, Downer EJ, Neuropathic orofacial pain: cannabinoids as a therapeutic avenue., The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 55, 2014, p72-8
O'Halloran, S., O'Leary, A., Kuijper, T. and Downer, E.J. , MyD88 acts as an adaptor protein for inflammatory signalling induced by amyloid-β in macrophages. , Immunology Letters. 162(1 Pt A):109-18., 2014
Downer EJ, Jones RS, McDonald CL, Greco E, Brennan S, Connor TJ, Robertson IH, & Lynch MA, Identifying early inflammatory changes in monocyte-derived macrophages from a population with IQ-discrepant episodic memory, PloS one, 8, (5), 2013, pe63194
Downer EJ, Johnston DG, Lynch MA, Differential role of Dok1 and Dok2 in TLR2-induced inflammatory signaling in glia., Molecular and cellular neurosciences, 56C, 2013, p148-158
Lyons A, Downer EJ, Costello DA, Murphy N, Lynch MA, Dok2 mediates the CD200Fc attenuation of Aß-induced changes in glia., Journal of neuroinflammation, 9, 2012, p107
Downer EJ, Clifford E, Amu S, Fallon PG, Moynagh PN, The synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 augments interferon-ß expression via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-"., The Journal of biological chemistry, 287, (30), 2012, p25440-53
Downer EJ, Cannabinoids and innate immunity: taking a toll on neuroinflammation., TheScientificWorldJournal, 11, 2011, p855-65
Downer EJ, Clifford E, Gran B, Nel HJ, Fallon PG, Moynagh PN, Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 activation and IFN-beta expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis., The Journal of biological chemistry, 286, (12), 2011, p10316-28
Kelly L, Grehan B, Chiesa AD, O'Mara SM, Downer E, Sahyoun G, Massey KA, Nicolaou A, Lynch MA, The polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DPA exert a protective effect in the hippocampus of the aged rat., Neurobiology of aging, 32, (12), 2011, p2318.e1-15
Analysis of the impact of CD200 on neurodengeneration. in, Neurodegenerative Diseases - Processes, Prevention, Protection and Monitoring., InTec, 2011, [1. Miller, A-M., Deighan, B., Downer, E.J., Lyons, A., Henric-Noak, P., Nolan, Y. and Lynch, M.A.]
Downer EJ, Campbell VA, Phytocannabinoids, CNS cells and development: a dead issue?, Drug and alcohol review, 29, (1), 2010, p91-8
Downer EJ, Cowley TR, Cox F, Maher FO, Berezin V, Bock E, Lynch MA, A synthetic NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL, exerts anti-inflammatory properties via IGF-1 and interferon-gamma modulation., Journal of neurochemistry, 109, (5), 2009, p1516-25
Lyons A, Lynch AM, Downer EJ, Hanley R, O'Sullivan JB, Smith A, Lynch MA, Fractalkine-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway attentuates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro., Journal of neurochemistry, 110, (5), 2009, p1547-56
Lyons, A, McQuillan, K, Deighan, BF, O'Reilly, JA, Downer, EJ, Murphy, AC, Watson, M, Piazza, A, O'Connell, F, Griffin, R, Mills, KH, Lynch, MA, Decreased neuronal CD200 expression in IL-4-deficient mice results in increased neuroinflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide., Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 23, (7), 2009, p1020 - 1027
Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection. in, Cannabinoids and the Brain. , Spinger Verlag, 2008, pp317 - 332, [Campbell, V.A. and Downer, E.J. ]
Lyons A, Downer EJ, Crotty S, Nolan YM, Mills KH, Lynch MA, CD200 ligand receptor interaction modulates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro: a role for IL-4., The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 27, (31), 2007, p8309-13
Downer EJ, Gowran A, Murphy AC, Campbell VA, The tumour suppressor protein, p53, is involved in the activation of the apoptotic cascade by Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cultured cortical neurons., European journal of pharmacology, 564, (1-3), 2007, p57-65
Downer EJ, Gowran A, Campbell VA, A comparison of the apoptotic effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in the neonatal and adult rat cerebral cortex., Brain research, 1175, 2007, p39-47
Downer EJ, Fogarty MP, Campbell VA, Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced neurotoxicity depends on CB1 receptor-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in cultured cortical neurons., British journal of pharmacology, 140, (3), 2003, p547-57
Fogarty MP, Downer EJ, Campbell V, A role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), but not JNK2, in the beta-amyloid-mediated stabilization of protein p53 and induction of the apoptotic cascade in cultured cortical neurons., The Biochemical journal, 371, (Pt 3), 2003, p789-98
Downer E, Boland B, Fogarty M, Campbell V, Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces the apoptotic pathway in cultured cortical neurones via activation of the CB1 receptor., Neuroreport, 12, (18), 2001, p3973-8
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Downer, E.J., Cannabinoids take a toll on MS., Invited speaker at the All Ireland MS Research network meeting, TCD., 2024
Downer, E.J., Developing audiovisual tools to enhance student education., Invited speaker at the Academic Practice lunchtime seminar series TCD., 2024
Downer, E.J., TLRs, Cannabinoids and Exercise: Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Sclerosis., Invited Speaker at TTMI seminar series, Dublin., 2023
Downer, E.J., TLRs, Cannabinoids and Exercise: Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Sclerosis., Invited Speaker at Immunology Research Forum, Dublin., 2023
Fitzpatrick, J.M., Costelloe, L., Hackett, B., Hind, W. and Downer, E.J., Botanical THC and CBD modulate TLR3/4 signalling in immune cells., International Cannabinoid Research Society., USA., 2022, 2022
Downer, E.J., Botanically-derived purified cannabidiol and "9-tetrahyrocannabinol, and their 1:1 combination, modulate toll-like receptor 3 and 4 signalling in immune cells from people with Multiple Sclerosis., Invited speaker at Queens University Belfast MS meeting.., 2022
Downer, E.J., From cannabinoids to exercise: thereapeutic strategies in MS., Invited speaker at UCC Dept Neuroscience Seminar series, Cork.., 2021
Downer, E.J., Therapeutically modulating innate immune signalling in Multiple Sclerosis with cannabinoids., Invited speaker at the ECE Dublin Conference and Exhibition, The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.., 2020
Downer, E.J., Exploring cannabinoid therapeutics in MS., Invited speaker at TCD Student Research Committee, TTMI, Dublin.., 2019
Downer, E.J., Hemp as a plant: Research Perspective., Invited speaker at Hemp Summit, Teagasc, Dublin., 2019
Downer, E.J., Clearing the smoke on the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based drugs., Invited speaker at Boyle Arts Festival, Roscommon., 2019
Downer, E.J., A Research Career in Science., Invited Speaker at iWISH STEM conference, RDS, Dublin, Ireland., 2018
Downer, E.J., Exploring Exercise & Cannabinoids as a Therapeutic Target in MS., Invited speaker at the MS Ireland research Event, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland., 2018
Downer, E.J., Cannabinoid therapies., Invited speaker at Science on Tap public Outreach Event The Liquor Rooms, Dublin., 2017
Downer, E.J., Update on the role of GW pCBs in targeting inflammation., Invited Speaker at GW Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom., 2016
Downer, E.J., Development of an audio-visual animation for teaching embryology., Invited speaker at Brown Bag CAPSL seminar series, Trinity College Dublin., 2016
Downer, E.J., When Neuroscience meets Dentistry: Building Bridges., Invited Speaker at the Irish Dental Students Association Annual conference, UCC, Ireland., 2015
Downer, E.J., Cannabinoids and TLRs: Clearing the smoke on Multiple Sclerosis., Invited speaker at the Trinity College Neuroscience Society Seminar Series, Trinity College Dublin., 2014
Downer, E.J., Clearing the smoke on Multiple Sclerosis., Invited speaker at Pint of Science Festival, Cork, Ireland.., 2014
Downer, E.J., From Exercise to Cannabis: Exploring Therapeutic Avenues in MS., Invited Speaker at MS Ireland World MS Day conference, Ballingcollig, Cork, Ireland., 2014
Downer, E.J., The therapeutic role of cannabinoids in MS: a new story Toll'd., Invited Speaker at the Department of Biochemistry Seminar Series, UCC, Ireland., 2014
Downer, E.J., Career talk., PRTLI Structured Ph.D Programme Workshop in Trinity College Dublin., 2011
Downer, E.J., The role of CD200 in neuroinflammation., Invited speaker at 3rd Annual Neuroscience Ireland conference in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland., 2009
Downer, E.J., A novel anti-inflammatory role of NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL., Invited speaker at the International Neuroimmunology Conference at UCD, Ireland., 2008
Downer, E.J., CD200: Unraveling its role in neuroinflammation., Invited speaker at TCIN seminar series, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland., 2008
Downer, E.J., THC induces apoptosis in cortical neurons., Seminar speaker at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA., 2006
Downer, E.J., THC induces apoptosis in cortical neurons., Seminar speaker at The Rockefeller University, New York, USA., 2005
Research Expertise
Description
My research background is in Neuroimmunology, and I am interested in how the nervous and immune systems interact under normal physiological conditions and disease states. In terms of the direction of my research, my laboratory is focused on patient-orientated research with a network of clinical collaborators established. I am particularly interested in the neuroimmunology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and have published data demonstrating that immune cells isolated from individuals with MS display evidence of altered innate immune signalling signatures that may be linked directly with disease pathology. Specifically, my research efforts focus on Toll-like Receptor (TLR) signalling, which are sensors of microbes in the body. My interest in this area is harboured by the emerging evidence that TLRs are implicated as key players in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory disorders such as MS. My group is focused on investigating the links between immune cell innate immune signalling signatures in peripheral blood cells and the impact of disease on central read-outs of cognition, pain, depression and neurological disability. By conducting such investigations my research team aims to: (a) delineate the role of the innate immune system in disease progression and symptomatology. This will shed light on the underlying cause of disease and thus identify new therpeutic targets. (b) investigate the impact of novel therapeutic strategies in the form of cannabinoid-based drugs, on innate immune responses and disease symptoms in patients. Indeed, I have conducted research in the field of cannabinoids for 22 years, and my laboratory has become recognized as a central hub for patient-orientated research in the area of cannabinoid-based therapeutics in Ireland. To conduct our patient-orientated translational research programmes, I have built links with Pharmaceutical and clinical collaborations to access patient cohorts. Media coverage of my research: Irish Examiner 2023 - https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandwellbeing/arid-41275810.html 2014 - http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/irish-scientists-leading-street-drug-research-229863.html Irish Times 2015 - http://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/medical-marvel-the-uses-of-cannabis-continue-to-grow-1.2169988 TV 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-ztMU832Ek&feature=youtu.be Podcasts 2023 - https://www.endocannabinoidmedicine.com/podcasts/ajem-live-podcast-episode-20-eric-downer-phd/ 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noydNJWLqpw 2022 - https://www.rdj.ie/insights/irelands-podcast-for-informed-corporate-counsel Rare Disease Advisor 2023 - https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com MS Ireland Newsletters 2015 - Present - https://www.ms-society.ie/dr-eric-downer Summary of research interests: Neuroimmunology Multiple Sclerosis Innate immune signalling Cannabinoid pharmacology Neuropathology Neuropathic orofacial pain Novel teaching innovations Summary of external Funding: Enterprise Ireland Irish Research Council Health Research Board HEA Physiological Society UK Industry sponsors Anatomical Society UK British Neuropathological Society UK Provost's Project Award, TCD Dean's Award for Teaching Innovations, TCDProjects
- Title
- Development of inflammasome assays in immune cells with relevance to mutliple sclerosis
- Summary
- Development of inflammasome assays in immune cells with relevance to mutliple sclerosis
- Funding Agency
- IRC-EPS
- Date From
- Sept 2022
- Date To
- Sept 2026
- Title
- Endosomal signalling as a cannabinoid target.
- Summary
- Endosomal signalling as a cannabinoid target.
- Funding Agency
- HEA and Provosts Project Award
- Date From
- Sept 2021
- Date To
- Sept 2025
- Title
- Animation tools in Medical Education
- Summary
- Animation tools in Medical Education
- Funding Agency
- Deans Award TCD
- Date From
- May 2023
- Date To
- May 2024
- Title
- Assessment of anti-inflammatory propensity of flavonoids
- Summary
- Assessment of anti-inflammatory propensity of flavonoids
- Funding Agency
- Enterprise Ireland
- Date From
- 2020
- Date To
- 2021
- Title
- mTOR as a phytocannabinoid target
- Summary
- mTOR as a phytocannabinoid target
- Funding Agency
- GW Research Ltd
- Date From
- 2019
- Date To
- 2020
- Title
- Characterisation of peripheral inflammation in neuropathic orofacial pain: targeting with cannabinoids
- Summary
- Characterisation of peripheral inflammation in neuropathic orofacial pain: targeting with cannabinoids
- Funding Agency
- Enterprise Ireland Innovative Partnership Award
- Date From
- 2018
- Date To
- 2021
- Title
- Development of embryology animation tools to improve student learning
- Summary
- Development of embryology animation tools to improve student learning
- Funding Agency
- Deans Award for Innovation in Teaching
- Date From
- 2016
- Date To
- 2020
- Title
- Developing cannabinoid therapeutics in MS
- Summary
- Developing cannabinoid therapeutics in MS
- Funding Agency
- IRC Enterprise Partnership Scheme
- Date From
- 2016
- Date To
- 2021
- Title
- Neuropathological characterisation of human post-mortem brain samples.
- Summary
- Neuropathological characterisation of human post-mortem brain samples.
- Funding Agency
- British Neuropathological Society Grant
- Date From
- 2014
- Date To
- 2016
Recognition
Awards and Honours
Trinity Excellence in Teaching Award. This is the highest teaching accolodate in College. This award was initiate following my nomination by several students to whom I lecture. The prestigious award celebrates lecturers and educators who make an exceptional contribution to teaching and learning. The award recognises various contributions to lecturing, curriculum design, assessment methods and making a positive impact on students" learning.
Inspiring Educator Award. Nominated by students for the Provosts Teaching Award. This scheme was founded in 2001 and covers all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, seeking to both reward staff and encourage critical reflection of teaching practices.
Certificate of Commendation Provost's Teaching Awards. I was nominated by both peers and students for this award. My commendation was specifically for my contrinutions in the development of the Human Health & Disease BSc programme in Trinity.
Faculty of Health Sciences Deans Award for Teaching and Learning (2016, 2017). These awards facilitated the development of educational learning tool for undergraduate students across Schools. This included the development of a suite of embryology animation tools with CAPSL to integrate into undergraduate programmes.
Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching nominee, University College Cork. In 2014 I was nominated by a cohort of Dental students for this highest teaching accolade in the University. This was a real honour given that I had commenced my first lectureship in the UCC the previous year, and was relatively inexperienced in teaching large classes at this point of my career.
Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award. This award is given to outstanding young researchers in the field of Neuroscience in Ireland. The awards recognises adavncements that you have made in the field in terms of publications and outreach. I am the first Trinity College recipient of this award, which is a real honour given the strength of Neuroscience research at our University.
Roche Researcher of the Year Awards finalist. These industry-sponsored awards acknowledge the excellence and quality of ongoing research within Ireland. They also recognise the important contribution that postgraduate and postdoctoral research plays within the Irish economy.
Barcroft Award. This is also known as the Early Career Award from the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland. This award recognises contribution to research in Biomedicine.
Research profiled in the media as part of on TG4 TV documentary "Tabú" - Cinneadh Cannabais - Exploring the Benefits of Cannabis Treatments" (2018), the Irish Examiner newspaper in 2013, article title "Irish Scientists Leading Street Drug Research", and in 2023, article title "Going to pot: using cannabis derivatives as medicinal treatments". My research has also been profiled in the Irish Times national newspaper (2015) in the article "Medical marvel: the uses of cannabis continue to grow".
Memberships
Member of the All-Ireland MS research network (AIMS-RN) Executive committee.